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ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums
ICOM Code of
Ethicsfor Museums
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The ICOM Code of Professional Ethics was adopted unanimously by the 15th General Assembly of ICOM in Buenos Aires (Argentina) on 4 November 1986. It was amended by the 20th General Assembly in Barcelona (Spain) on 6 July 2001, retitled ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums, and revised by the 21st General Assembly in Seoul (Republic of Korea) on 8 October 2004.
© ICOM, 2013ISBN-978-92-9012-407-8
ICOM CODE OF ETHICSFOR MUSEUMS
The cornerstone of ICOM is the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums. It sets minimum standards of professional practice and performance for museums and their staff. In joining the organisation, ICOM members undertake to abide by this Code.Ethical issues that require the attention and/or consideration of the ICOM Ethics Committee may be addressed to its Chair by e-mail: [email protected].
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PREAMBLE
Status of the ICOM Code of Ethics for MuseumsThe ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums has been prepared by the International Council of Museums. It is the statement of ethics for museums referred to in the ICOM Statutes. The Code reflects principles generally accepted by the international museum community. Membership in ICOM and the payment of the annual subscrip-tion to ICOM are an affirmation of the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums.
A Minimum Standard for Museums The ICOM Code represents a minimum standard for museums. It is presented as a series of principles supported by guidelines for desirable professional practice. In some countries, certain minimum standards are defined by law or government regulation. In others, guidance on and assessment of minimum professional standards may be available in the form of ’Accreditation’, ’Registration’, or similar evaluative schemes. Where such standards are not defined, guidance can be obtained through the ICOM Secretariat, a relevant National Committee of ICOM, or the appropriate Internatio-nal Committee of ICOM. It is also intended that individual nations and the specialised subject organisations connected with museums should use this Code as a basis for developing additional standards.
Translations of the ICOM Code of Ethics for MuseumsThe ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums is published in the three official languages of the organisation: English, French and Spanish. ICOM welcomes the translation of the Code into other languages. However, a translation will be regarded as “official” only if it is endorsed by at least one National Committee of a country in which the language is spoken, normally as the first language. Where the language is spoken in more than one country, it is preferable that the National Committees of these countries also be consulted. Attention is drawn to the need for linguistic as well as professional museum expertise in providing official translations. The language version used for a translation and the names of the National Committees involved should be indicated. These conditions do not restrict translations of the Code, or parts of it, for use in educational work or for study purposes.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums
Page 1 1. Museums preserve, interpret and promote the natural and
cultural inheritance of humanity. • Institutional standing • Physical resources • Financial resources • Personnel
Page 3 2. Museums that maintain collections hold them in trust for the benefit of society and its development.
• Acquiring collections • Removing collections • Care of collections
Page 6 3. Museums hold primary evidence for establishing and furthering knowledge.
• Primary evidence • Museum collecting & research
Page 8 4. Museums provide opportunities for the appreciation, understanding and management of the natural and cultural heritage.
• Display and exhibition • Other resources
Page 9 5. Museums hold resources that provide opportunities for other public services and benefits.
• Identification services
Page 10 6. Museums work in close collaboration with the communities from which their collections originate as well as those they serve.
• Origin of collections • Respect for communities served
Page 11 7. Museums operate in a legal manner. • Legal framework
Page 12 8. Museums operate in a professional manner. • Professional conduct • Conflicts of interest
Page 15 Glossary
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1.1 Enabling DocumentationThe governing body should ensure that the museum has a written and published consti-tution, statute, or other public document in accordance with national laws, which clearly states the museum’s legal status, mission, permanence and non-profit nature.
1. 2 Statement of the Mission, Objectives and PoliciesThe governing body should prepare, publicise and be guided by a statement of the mission, objectives and policies of the museum and of the role and composition of the governing body.
1. 3 PremisesThe governing body should ensure adequate premises with a suitable environment for the museum to fulfil the basic functions defined in its mission.
1. 4 AccessThe governing body should ensure that the museum and its collections are available to all during reasonable hours and for re-gular periods. Particular regard should be given to those persons with special needs.
1.5 Health and SafetyThe governing body should ensure that institutional standards of health, safety and accessibility apply to its personnel and visitors.
1.6 Protection Against DisastersThe governing body should develop and maintain policies to protect the public and personnel, the collections and other resources against natural and human-made disasters.
1 . 7 Security RequirementsThe governing body should ensure appropriate security to protect collections against theft or damage in displays, exhibi-tions, working or storage areas and while in transit.
1.8 Insurance and IndemnityWhere commercial insurance is used for collections, the governing body should ensure that such cover is adequate and includes objects in transit or on loan and other items that are the responsibility of the museum. When an indemnity scheme is in use, it is necessary that material not in the ownership of the museum be adequa-tely covered.
1. MUSEUMS PRESERVE, INTERPRET AND PROMOTE THE NATURAL AND CULTURAL INHERITANCE OF HUMANITY.
PrincipleMuseums are responsible for the tangible and intangible natural and cultural heritage. Governing bodies and those concerned with the strategic direction and oversight of museums have a primary responsibility to protect and promote this heritage as well as the human, physical and financial resources made available for that purpose.
INSTITUTIONAL STANDING
PHYSICAL RESOURCES
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1. 9 FundingThe governing body should ensure that there are sufficient funds to carry out and develop the activities of the museum. All funds must be accounted for in a profes-sional manner.
1.10 Income-generating PolicyThe governing body should have a written policy regarding sources of income that it may generate through its activities or ac-cept from outside sources. Regardless of funding source, museums should maintain control of the content and integrity of their programmes, exhibitions and activities. Income-generating activities should not compromise the standards of the institution or its public. (See 6.6).
1.11 Employment Policy The governing body should ensure that all action concerning personnel is taken in accordance with the policies of the museum as well as the proper and legal procedures.
1.12 Appointment of the Director or HeadThe director or head of the museum is a key post and when making an appoint-ment, governing bodies should have re-gard for the knowledge and skills required to fill the post effectively. These qualities should include adequate intellectual ability and professional knowledge, complemen-ted by a high standard of ethical conduct.
1.13 Access to Governing BodiesThe director or head of a museum should be directly responsible, and have direct access, to the relevant governing bodies.
1.14 Competence of Museum Personnel The employment of qualified personnel with the expertise required to meet all res-ponsibilities is necessary. (See also 2.19; 2.24; section 8).
1.15 Training of PersonnelAdequate opportunities for the continuing education and professional development of all museum personnel should be arran-ged to maintain an effective workforce.
1.16 Ethical ConflictThe governing body should never require museum personnel to act in a way that could be considered to conflict with the provisions of this Code of Ethics, or any national law or specialist code of ethics.
1.17 Museum Personnel and VolunteersThe governing body should have a written policy on volunteer work that promotes a positive relationship between volunteers and members of the museum profession.
1.18 Volunteers and EthicsThe governing body should ensure that volunteers, when conducting museum and personal activities, are fully conversant with the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums and other applicable codes and laws.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
PERSONNEL
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2.1 Collections PolicyThe governing body for each museum should adopt and publish a written collec-tions policy that addresses the acquisition, care and use of collections. The policy should clarify the position of any material that will not be catalogued, conserved, or exhibited. (See 2. 7; 2. 8).
2. 2 Valid Title No object or specimen should be acqui-red by purchase, gift, loan, bequest, or exchange unless the acquiring museum is satisfied that a valid title is held. Evidence of lawful ownership in a country is not ne-cessarily valid title.
2. 3 Provenance and Due DiligenceEvery effort must be made before acquisi-tion to ensure that any object or specimen offered for purchase, gift, loan, bequest, or exchange has not been illegally obtained in, or exported from its country of origin or any intermediate country in which it might have been owned legally (including the museum’s own country). Due diligence in this regard should establish the full history of the item since discovery or production.
2. 4 Objects and Specimens from Unauthorised or Unscientific FieldworkMuseums should not acquire objects where there is reasonable cause to be-lieve their recovery involved unauthorised or unscientific fieldwork, or intentional destruction or damage of monuments, archaeological or geological sites, or of species and natural habitats. In the same way, acquisition should not occur if there has been a failure to disclose the finds to the owner or occupier of the land, or to the proper legal or governmental authorities.
2. 5 Culturally Sensitive MaterialCollections of human remains and ma-te-rial of sacred significance should be acqui-red only if they can be housed securely and cared for respectfully. This must be accomplished in a manner consistent with professional standards and the interests and beliefs of members of the commu-nity, ethnic or religious groups from which the objects originated, where these are known. (See also 3.7; 4.3).
2. MUSEUMS THAT MAINTAIN COLLECTIONS HOLD THEM IN TRUST FOR THE BENEFIT OF SOCIETY AND ITS DEVELOPMENT.
PrincipleMuseums have the duty to acquire, preserve and promote their collections as a contri-bution to safeguarding the natural, cultural and scientific heritage. Their collections are a significant public inheritance, have a special position in law and are protected by international legislation. Inherent in this public trust is the notion of stewardship that includes rightful ownership, permanence, documentation, accessibility and responsible disposal.
ACQUIRING COLLECTIONS
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2. 6 Protected Biological orGeological SpecimensMuseums should not acquire biological or geological specimens that have been collected, sold, or otherwise transferred in contravention of local, national, regio-nal or international law or treaty relating to wildlife protection or natural history conservation.
2 . 7 Living Collections When the collections include live botanical or zoological specimens, special conside-ration should be given to the natural and social environment from which they are derived as well as any local, national, regional or international law or treaty relating to wildlife protection or natural history conservation.
2. 8 Working Collections The collections policy may include special considerations for certain types of work-ing collections where the emphasis is on preserving cultural, scientific, or technical process rather than the object, or where objects or specimens are assembled for regular handling and teaching purposes. (See also 2.1).
2. 9 Acquisition Outside Collections PolicyThe acquisition of objects or specimens outside the museum’s stated policy should only be made in exceptional circumstances. The governing body should consider the professional opinions available to it and the views of all interested parties. Consi-deration will include the significance of the object or specimen, including its context in the cultural or natural heritage, and the special interests of other museums collec-ting such material. However, even in these circumstances, objects without a valid title should not be acquired. (See also 3.4).
2.10 Acquisitions Offered by Members of the Governing Body or Museum PersonnelSpecial care is required in considering any item, whether for sale, as a donation,
or as a tax-benefit gift, from members of governing bodies, museum personnel, or the families and close associates of these persons.
2.11 Repositories of Last ResortNothing in this Code of Ethics should prevent a museum from acting as an authorised repository for unprovenanced, illicitly collected or recovered specimens or objects from the territory over which it has lawful responsibility.
2.12 Legal or Other Powers of DisposalWhere the museum has legal powers per-mitting disposals, or has acquired objects subject to conditions of disposal, the legal or other requirements and procedures must be complied with fully. Where the original acquisition was subject to manda-tory or other restrictions these conditions must be observed, unless it can be shown clearly that ad-herence to such restrictions is impossible or substantially detrimental to the institution and, if appropriate, relief may be sought through legal procedures.
2.13 Deaccessioning from Museum CollectionsThe removal of an object or specimen from a museum collection must only be undertaken with a full understanding of the significance of the item, its character (whether renewable or non-renewable), legal standing, and any loss of public trust that might result from such action.
2.14 Responsibility for DeaccessioningThe decision to deaccession should be the responsibility of the governing body ac-ting in conjunction with the director of the museum and the curator of the collection concerned. Special arrangements may apply to working collections. (See 2.7; 2.8)
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REMOVING COLLECTIONS
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2.15 Disposal of Objects Removed from the CollectionsEach museum should have a policy defi-ning authorised methods for permanently removing an object from the collections through donation, transfer, exchange, sale, repatriation, or destruction, and that allows the transfer of unrestricted title to any receiving agency. Complete records must be kept of all deaccessioning deci-sions, the objects involved, and the dispo-sal of the object. There will be a strong presumption that a deaccessioned item should first be offered to another museum.
2.16 Income from Disposal of CollectionsMuseum collections are held in public trust and may not be treated as a realisable asset. Money or compensation received from the deaccessioning and disposal of objects and specimens from a museum collection should be used solely for the benefit of the collection and usually for acquisitions to that same collection.
2.17 Purchase of DeaccessionedCollections Museum personnel, the governing body, or their families or close associates, should not be permitted to purchase objects that have been deaccessioned from a collec-tion for which they are responsible.
2.18 Collection ContinuityThe museum should establish and apply policies to ensure that its collections (both permanent and temporary) and asso-ciated information, properly recorded, are available for current use and will be passed on to future generations in as good and safe a condition as practicable, having regard to current knowledge and resources.
2.19 Delegation of Collection ResponsibilityProfessional responsibilities involving the care of the collections should be assigned
to persons with appropriate knowledge and skill or who are adequately supervi-sed. (See also 8.11).
2 . 20 Documentation of CollectionsMuseum collections should be documen-ted according to accepted professional standards. Such documentation should in-clude a full identification and description of each item, its associations, provenance, condition, treatment and present location. Such data should be kept in a secure en-vironment and be supported by retrieval systems providing access to the informa-tion by the museum personnel and other legitimate users.
2 . 21 Protection Against Disasters Careful attention should be given to the development of policies to protect the col-lections during armed conflict and other human-made or natural disasters.
2. 22 Security of Collection and Associated DataThe museum should exercise control to avoid disclosing sensitive personal or related information and other confiden-tial matters when collection data is made available to the public.
2 . 23 Preventive ConservationPreventive conservation is an important element of museum policy and collec-tions care. It is an essential responsibility of members of the museum profession to create and maintain a protective envi-ronment for the collections in their care, whether in store, on display, or in transit.
2 . 24 Collection Conservation and RestorationThe museum should carefully monitor the condition of collections to determine when an object or specimen may require conser-vation-restoration work and the services of a qualified conservator-restorer. The principal goal should be the stabilisation of the object or specimen. All conservation
CARE OF COLLECTIONS
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procedures should be documented and as reversible as possible, and all alterations should be clearly distinguishable from the original object or specimen.
2. 25 Welfare of Live AnimalsA museum that maintains living animals should assume full responsibility for their health and well-being. It should prepare and implement a safety code for the pro-tection of its personnel and visitors, as well as of the animals, that has been appro-
ved by an expert in the veterinary field. Genetic modification should be clearly identifiable.
2. 26 Personal Use of Museum CollectionsMuseum personnel, the governing body, their families, close associates, or others should not be permitted to expropriate items from the museum collections, even temporarily, for any personal use.
3. MUSEUMS HOLD PRIMARY EVIDENCE FOR ESTABLISHING AND FURTHERING KNOWLEDGE.
3.1 Collections as Primary EvidenceThe museum collections policy should indi-cate clearly the significance of collections as primary evidence. The policy should not be governed only by current intellectual trends or present museum usage.
3. 2 Availability of CollectionsMuseums have a particular responsibility for making collections and all relevant in-formation available as freely as possible, having regard to restraints arising for rea-sons of confidentiality and security.
3. 3 Field CollectingMuseums undertaking field collecting should develop policies consistent with
academic standards and applicable na-tional and international laws and treaty obligations. Fieldwork should only be undertaken with respect and considera-tion for the views of local communities, their environmental resources and cultural practices as well as efforts to enhance the cultural and natural heritage.
3 .4 Exceptional Collecting of Primary EvidenceIn exceptional cases an item without pro-venance may have such an inherently outstanding contribution to knowledge that it would be in the public interest to preserve it. The acceptance of such an item into a museum collection should be the subject of a decision by specialists in the discipline concerned and without natio-nal or international prejudice. (See also 2.11).
PrincipleMuseums have particular responsibilities to all for the care, accessibility and interpretation of primary evidence collected and held in their collections.
PRIMARY EVIDENCE
MUSEUM COLLECTING & RESEARCH
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3. 5 ResearchResearch by museum personnel should relate to the museum’s mission and ob-jectives and conform to established legal, ethical and academic practices.
3. 6 Destructive AnalysisWhen destructive analytical techniques are undertaken, a complete record of the material analysed, the outcome of the analysis and the resulting research, inclu-ding publications, should become a part of the permanent record of the object.
3 . 7 Human Remains and Materials of Sacred SignificanceResearch on human remains and materials of sacred significance must be accom-plished in a manner consistent with profes-sional standards and take into account the interests and beliefs of the community, ethnic or religious groups from whom the objects originated, where these are known. (See also 2.5; 4.3).
3. 8 Retention of Rights to Research MaterialsWhen museum personnel prepare material for presentation or to document field inves-tigation, there must be clear agreement
with the sponsoring museum regarding all rights to such work.
3. 9 Shared ExpertiseMembers of the museum profession have an obligation to share their knowledge and experience with colleagues, scho-lars and students in relevant fields. They should respect and acknowledge those from whom they have learned and should pass on such advancements in techniques and experience that may be of benefit to others.
3.10 Co-operation Between Museums and Other InstitutionsMuseum personnel should acknowledge and endorse the need for cooperation and consultation between institutions with similar interests and collecting practices. This is particularly so with institutes of higher education and certain public utilities where research may generate important collections for which there is no long-term security.
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4.1 Displays, Exhibitions and Special ActivitiesDisplays and temporary exhibitions, physi-cal or electronic, should be in accordance with the stated mission, policy and purpose of the museum. They should not compromise either the quality or the proper care and conservation of the collections.
4 . 2 Interpretation of ExhibitionsMuseums should ensure that the informa-tion they present in displays and exhibi-tions is well-founded, accurate and gives appropriate consideration to represented groups or beliefs.
4 . 3 Exhibition of Sensitive MaterialsHuman remains and materials of sacred significance must be displayed in a man-ner consistent with professional standards and, where known, taking into account the interests and beliefs of members of the community, ethnic or religious groups from whom the objects originated. They must be presented with great tact and respect for the feelings of human dignity held by all peoples.
4 . 4 Removal from Public DisplayRequests for removal from public display of human remains or material of sacred si-gnificance from the originating communities
must be addressed expeditiously with res-pect and sensitivity. Requests for the return of such material should be addressed simi-larly. Museum policies should clearly define the process for responding to such requests.
4 . 5 Display of Unprovenanced MaterialMuseums should avoid displaying or otherwise using material of questionable origin or lacking provenance. They should be aware that such displays or usage can be seen to condone and contribute to the illicit trade in cultural property.
4 . 6 PublicationInformation published by museums, by whatever means, should be well-founded, accurate and give responsible considera-tion to the academic disciplines, societies, or beliefs presented. Museum publications should not compromise the standards of the institution.
4 . 7 ReproductionsMuseums should respect the integrity of the original when replicas, reproductions, or copies of items in the collection are made. All such copies should be perma-nently marked as facsimiles.
PrincipleMuseums have an important duty to develop their educational role and attract wider audiences from the community, locality, or group they serve. Interaction with the constituent community and promotion of their heritage is an integral part of the educational role of the museum.
4. MUSEUMS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE APPRECIATION, UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGEMENT OF THE NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE.
DISPLAY & EXHIBITION
OTHER RESOURCES
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5.1 Identification of Illegally or Illicitly Acquired ObjectsWhere museums provide an identification service, they should not act in any way that could be regarded as benefiting from such activity, directly or indirectly. The identification and authentication of objects that are believed or suspected to have been illegally or illicitly acquired, transferred, imported or exported, should not be made public until the appropriate authorities have been notified.
5. 2 Authentication and Valuation (Appraisal)Valuations may be made for the purposes of insurance of museum collections. Opi-nions on the monetary value of other objects should only be given on official request from other museums or competent legal, governmental or other responsible public authorities. However, when the museum itself may be the beneficiary, ap-praisal of an object or specimen must be undertaken independently.
5. MUSEUMS HOLD RESOURCES THAT PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES AND BENEFITS.
PrincipleMuseums utilise a wide variety of specialisms, skills and physical resources that have a far broader application than in the museum. This may lead to shared resources or the provision of services as an extension of the museum’s activities. These should be organised in such a way that they do not compromise the museum’s stated mission.
IDENTIFICATION SERVICES
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6.1 Co-operationMuseums should promote the sharing of knowledge, documentation and collec-tions with museums and cultural organi-sations in the countries and communities of origin. The possibility of developing partnerships with museums in countries or areas that have lost a significant part of their heritage should be explored.
6 . 2 Return of Cultural PropertyMuseums should be prepared to initiate dialogues for the return of cultural pro-perty to a country or people of origin. This should be undertaken in an impartial manner, based on scientific, professional and humanitarian principles as well as applicable local, national and internatio-nal legislation, in preference to action at a governmental or political level.
6 . 3 Restitution of Cultural PropertyWhen a country or people of origin seeks the restitution of an object or specimen that can be demonstrated to have been exported or otherwise transferred in vio-lation of the principles of international and national conventions, and shown to be part of that country’s or people’s cultural or natural heritage, the museum concer-ned should, if legally free to do so, take
prompt and responsible steps to coope-rate in its return.
6 . 4 Cultural Objects from an Occupied CountryMuseums should abstain from purchasing or acquiring cultural objects from an oc-cupied territory and respect fully all laws and conventions that regulate the import, export and transfer of cultural or natural materials.
6 . 5 Contemporary CommunitiesWhere museum activities involve a contemporary community or its heritage, acquisitions should only be made based on informed and mutual consent without exploitation of the owner or informants. Respect for the wishes of the community involved should be paramount.
6 . 6 Funding of Community ActivitiesWhen seeking funds for activities involving contemporary communities, their interests should not be compromised. (See 1.10).
6. MUSEUMS WORK IN CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH THE COMMUNITIES FROM WHICH THEIR COLLECTIONS ORIGINATE AS WELL AS THOSE THEY SERVE.
PrincipleMuseum collections reflect the cultural and natural heritage of the communities from which they have been derived. As such, they have a character beyond that of ordi-nary property, which may include strong affinities with national, regional, local, ethnic, religious or political identity. It is important therefore that museum policy is responsive to this situation.
ORIGIN OF COLLECTIONS
RESPECT FOR COMMUNITIES SERVED
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6 .7 Use of Collections from Contemporary CommunitiesMuseum usage of collections from contem-porary communities requires respect for human dignity and the traditions and cultures that use such material. Such col-lections should be used to promote human well-being, social development, tolerance, and respect by advocating multisocial, multicultural and multilingual expression. (See 4.3).
6 .8 Supporting Organisations in the CommunityMuseums should create a favourable environment for community support (e.g., Friends of Museums and other supporting organisations), recognise their contribution and promote a harmonious relationship between the community and museum per-sonnel.
7. MUSEUMS OPERATE IN A LEGAL MANNER.
7.1 National and Local LegislationMuseums should conform to all national and local laws and respect the legislation of other states as they affect their ope-ration.
7 . 2 International LegislationMuseum policy should acknowledge the following international legislation that is taken as a standard in interpreting the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums:• Convention for the Protection of Cultural
Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (“The Hague Convention” First Protocol, 1954, and Second Protocol, 1999);
• Convention on the Means of Prohibiting
and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property (UNESCO, 1970);
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Washington, 1973);
• Convention on Biological Diversity (UN, 1992);
• Convention on Stolen and Illicitly Expor-ted Cultural Objects (UNIDROIT, 1995);
• Convention on the Protection of the Un-derwater Cultural Heritage (UNESCO, 2001);
• Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (UNESCO, 2003).
PrincipleMuseums must conform fully to international, regional, national and local legislation and treaty obligations. In addition, the governing body should comply with any legally binding trusts or conditions relating to any aspect of the museum, its collections and operations.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
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8.1 Familiarity with Relevant LegislationEvery member of the museum profession should be conversant with relevant inter-national, national and local legislation and the conditions of their employment. They should avoid situations that could be construed as improper conduct.
8. 2 Professional ResponsibilityMembers of the museum profession have an obligation to follow the policies and procedures of their employing institution. However, they may properly object to practices that are perceived to be dama-ging to a museum, to the pro-fession, or to matters of professional ethics.
8. 3 Professional ConductLoyalty to colleagues and to the employing museum is an important professional res-ponsibility and must be based on alle-giance to fundamental ethical principles applicable to the profession as a whole. These principles should comply with the terms of the ICOM Code of Ethics for Mu-seums and be aware of any other codes or policies relevant to museum work.
8. 4 Academic and Scientific ResponsibilitiesMembers of the museum profession should promote the investigation, preservation, and use of information inherent in collec-
tions. They should, therefore, refrain from any activity or circumstance that might result in the loss of such academic and scientific data.
8. 5 The Illicit MarketMembers of the museum profession should not support the illicit traffic or market in natu-ral or cultural property, directly or indirectly.
8. 6 ConfidentialityMembers of the museum profession must protect confidential information obtained during their work. In addition, information about items brought to the museum for identification is confidential and should not be published or passed to any other ins-titution or person without specific authori-sation from the owner.
8 . 7 Museum and Collection SecurityInformation about the security of the mu-seum or of private collections and loca-tions visited during official duties must be held in strict confidence by museum personnel.
8. 8 Exception to the Obligation for ConfidentialityConfidentiality is subject to a legal obligation to assist the police or other proper autho-rities in investigating possible stolen, illicitly acquired, or illegally transferred property.
8. MUSEUMS OPERATE IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER
PrincipleMembers of the museum profession should observe accepted standards and laws and uphold the dignity and honour of their profession. They should safeguard the public against illegal or unethical professional conduct. Every opportunity should be used to inform and educate the public about the aims, purposes, and aspirations of the profes-sion to develop a better public understanding of the contributions of museums to society.
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
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8. 9 Personal IndependenceWhile members of a profession are entitled to a measure of personal independence, they must realise that no private business or professional interest can be wholly se-parated from their employing institution.
8.10 Professional RelationshipsMembers of the museum profession form working relationships with numerous other persons within and outside the museum in which they are employed. They are expec-ted to render their professional services to others efficiently and to a high standard.
8.11 Professional ConsultationIt is a professional responsibility to consult other colleagues within or out-side the museum when the expertise available in the museum is insufficient to ensure good decision-making.
8.12 Gifts, Favours, Loans, or Other Personal BenefitsMuseum employees must not accept gifts, favours, loans, or other personal benefits that may be offered to them in connection with their duties for the museum. Occasio-nally professional courtesy may include the giving and receiving of gifts, but this should always take place in the name of the insti-tution concerned.
8.13 Outside Employment or Business InterestsMembers of the museum profession, al-though entitled to a measure of personal independence, must realise that no pri-vate business or professional interest can be wholly separated from their employing institution. They should not undertake other paid employment or accept outside com-missions that are in conflict, or may be viewed as being in conflict, with the inte-rests of the museum.
8.14 Dealing in Natural or Cultural HeritageMembers of the museum profession should not participate directly or in-directly in dealing (buying or selling for profit) in the natural or cultural heritage.
8.15 Interaction with DealersMuseum professionals should not accept any gift, hospitality, or any form of reward from a dealer, auctioneer, or other per-son as an inducement to purchase or dis-pose of museum items, or to take or refrain from taking official action. Furthermore, a museum professional should not recom-mend a particular dealer, auctioneer, or appraiser to a member of the public.
8.16 Private CollectingMembers of the museum profession should not compete with their institution either in the acquisition of objects or in any personal collecting activity. An agree-ment between the museum professional and the governing body concerning any private collecting must be formulated and scrupulously followed.
8.17 Use of the Name and Logo of ICOMThe name of the organisation, its acronym or its logo may not be used to promote or endorse any for-profit operation or product.
8.18 Other Conflicts of InterestShould any other conflict of interest de-velop between an individual and the museum, the interests of the museum should prevail.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
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GLOSSARY
Appraisal The authentication and valuation of an ob-ject or specimen. In certain countries the term is used for an independent assessment of a proposed gift for tax benefit purposes.
Conflict of interestThe existence of a personal or private interest that gives rise to a clash of principle in a work situation, thus restricting, or having the appearance of restricting, the objectivity of decision making.
Conservator-Restorer Museum or independent personnel competent to undertake the technical examination, pre-servation, conservation and restoration of cultural property. (For further information, see ICOM News, vol. 39, n°1 (1986), pp. 5-6.)
Cultural HeritageAny thing or concept considered of aesthetic, historical, scientific or spiritual significance.
Dealing Buying and selling items for personal or institutional gain.
Due diligenceThe requirement that every endeavour is made to establish the facts of a case before deciding a course of action, particularly in identifying the source and history of an item offered for acquisition or use before acquiring it.
Governing Body The persons or organisations defined in the enabling legislation of the museum as responsible for its continuance, strategic development and funding.
Income-generating activities Activities intended to bring financial gain or profit for the benefit of the institution.
Legal title Legal right to ownership of property in the country concerned. In certain countries this may be a conferred right and insufficient to meet the requirements of a due diligence search.
Minimum Standard A standard to which it is reasonable to expect all museums and museum personnel to aspire. Certain countries have their own statements of minimum standards.
Museum * A museum is a non-profit making permanent institution in the service of society and of its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits, for purposes of study, education and enjoyment, the tangible and intangible evidence of people and their environment.
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Museum professional*Museum professionals consist of the personnel (whether paid or unpaid) of museums or insti-tutions as defined in Article 2, paras. 1 and 2, of the ICOM Statutes, who have received specialised training, or possess an equivalent practical experience in any field relevant to the management and operations of a museum, and independent persons respecting the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums and working for museums or institutions as defined in the Statute quoted above, but not persons promoting or dealing with commercial pro-ducts and equipment required for museums and museum services.
Natural Heritage Any natural thing, phenomenon or concept, considered to be of scientific significance or to be a spiritual manifestation.
Non-profit organisation A legally established body – corporate or unincorporated – whose income (including any surplus or profit) is used solely for the benefit of that body and its operations. The term “not-for-profit” has the same meaning.
Provenance The full history and ownership of an item from the time of its discovery or creation to the present day, through which authenticity and ownership are determined.
Valid titleIndisputable right to ownership of property, supported by full provenance of the item since discovery or production.
* It should be noted that the terms “museum” and “museum professional” are interim definitions for use in interpreting the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums. The definitions of “museum” and “professional museum workers” used in the ICOM Statutes remain in force until the revision of that document has been completed.
International Council of Museums (ICOM)Maison de l’UNESCO1, rue Miollis 75732 Paris cedex 15 - FranceTelephone: +33 (0) 1 47 34 05 00 Fax: +33 (0) 1 43 06 78 62Email: [email protected]: http://icom.museum
The International Council of Museums (ICOM), created in 1946, is the world organisation representing museums and museum professionals, committed to the promotion and protection of natural and cultural heritage, present and future, tangible and intangible. With more than 30,000 members in 136 countries, ICOM is a unique network of museum professionals acting in a wide range of museum- and heritage-related disciplines.
Leading international actionsMaintaining formal relations with UNESCO and a consultative status within the United Nations Economic and Social Council, ICOM also partners with entities such as the World Intellectual Property Organization, INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization, in order to carry out its international public service missions, which include fighting illicit traffic in cultural goods and promoting risk management and emergency preparedness to protect world cultural heritage in the event of natural or man-made disasters.
A centre for reflectionICOM’s commitment to culture and knowledge promotion is reinforced by its 31 International Committees dedicated to a wide range of museum specialities, who conduct advanced research in their respective fields for the benefit of the museum community. ICOM has the ability to mobilise experts in cultural heritage world-wide in response to the challenges museums face around the globe.
